The Best Boat Rentals in Destin

Boat rentals in Destin start at $50/hour for a pontoon and go up to $300/hour for a yacht charter. There are many affordable boat rental options in Destin, Florida.

To get to Crab Island you’ll want to rent a boat in Destin and head south of the Marler Bridge. The sandbar known as Crab Island is just off the coast of Destin, but must be reached on a boat rental, kayak, or other watercraft like a jet ski.

You need some sort of watercraft to access Crab Island in Destin. It is a sandbar that sits off the coast of the city. You can reach Crab Island by power boat, sailboat, jet ski. It’s not a far distance from the mainland of Destin.

The best month to visit Destin, Florida, is between April and May, where you’ll have warm, sunny days and favorable weather. It can be a busy time with Spring Break vacationers, but typically in late April and May those crowds have gone.

Some of the top destinations to see by boat from Destin include:

• Crab Island - a sandbar known for boat parties
• Fort Walton Beach
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Joe’s Bayou
• Norriego Point

Destin pontoon boat rentals are the most in-demand for both locals and visitors. Tourists can enjoy a casual cruise to Crab Island onboard a pontoon that has space for the whole family, as well as large friend groups, water toys, coolers, and other gear for a fun day of boating. A pontoon rental in Destin is one of the most affordable styles of boat, with prices starting at $75/hour. Cruise to Crab Island and park your pontoon to hang out at this iconic sandbar.

Looking for a little more luxury? Yacht rentals in Destin can provide that elevated boating experience for a day on the water. Choose from various sizes of motor yachts with local, professional captains to serve as your boating guide on the Emerald Coast.

Jet skiing to Crab Island is another fantastic option. If you’re just traveling with your partner and renting a whole boat is too much, rent a two-seater jet ski in Destin and cruise to join the boat parties at Crab Island, or explore the canals of Destin on the water. Stop off at beaches or fly through the waves with your jet ski rental.

Dolphin tours are a popular choice in Destin, with many offering special experiences like sunset dolphin cruises, private sailing dolphin cruises, and dolphin snorkeling off nearby Crab Island.

Yes, if you plan to operate the boat yourself, Florida law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete a state-approved boater safety course. Once completed, you must carry your boater education card and a photo ID while operating the vessel. If you were born before that date or choose a captained rental, a license is not required.

Florida boating laws require that all children under the age of six wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while on board a vessel that is underway. Additionally, all boats must be equipped with proper safety gear, including life vests for all passengers, a sound-producing device (like a whistle or horn), navigation lights, and fire extinguishers where applicable.

Yes, you can absolutely rent a boat in Destin for both inshore and offshore fishing. Inshore fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay offers the chance to catch redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. Offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico targets species like mahi-mahi, tuna, snapper, grouper, and even billfish. You can choose from fishing skiffs, center consoles, and fully equipped sportfishing boats.

Yes, many waterfront restaurants in Destin welcome boaters. Popular spots like Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant, Harbor Docks, The Boathouse Oyster Bar, and Harry T’s Lighthouse offer dock-and-dine options. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm dock space, especially during peak boating season.

Destin is famous for several must-visit boating spots. Crab Island is a top destination, known for its shallow, clear waters and floating social scene. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is another favorite, offering boat-up restaurants, live music, and fireworks shows on select nights. Choctawhatchee Bay is perfect for calm water activities, while East Pass and Norriego Point offer great opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and watching dolphins.

Crab Island is one of the most iconic boating destinations in Destin, Florida. Despite its name, it’s not actually an island, but a submerged sandbar located just north of the Destin Bridge in Choctawhatchee Bay. The shallow, crystal-clear water—typically just 1 to 4 feet deep—makes it perfect for anchoring your boat and wading, relaxing, and playing in the water.

The only way to get to Crab Island is by boat, and renting one is the best way to experience everything it has to offer. With a rental boat, you can arrive on your own schedule and stay as long as you’d like. Pontoon boats are especially popular for Crab Island trips because they’re spacious, easy to operate, and perfect for groups and families. You can also rent center-console boats, deck boats, or even hire a captained charter if you want to relax without handling the navigation.

Once you're there, you can enjoy a floating party scene with live music, floating restaurants and food vendors (in peak season), inflatable water parks, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and simply lounging in the sun. It’s a kid-friendly destination in the mornings and a lively, social spot in the afternoons, especially on weekends and holidays.

Renting a boat to visit Crab Island lets you explore at your own pace, bring your own food and drinks, and create a truly personalized on-the-water experience. Whether you're looking for a fun day with the family or a celebratory outing with friends, Crab Island is a must-see highlight when boating in Destin.